Choose Your Struggle

Season 2, Episode 53!
It's Hayley Grainger Day!
***There was a glitch with the feed this morning and last week's episode went out again instead of this one. It's been updated but if you downloaded the show before 9am (and thank you!) you'll need to redownload. Sorry for the confusion!***
Hayley reached out to Jay a little more than a year ago as she was preparing to go into the hospital to deal with anorexia. Since then, Hayley and Jay have stayed in contact, trading emails, Facebook messages, and cards through the mail. Now she's out of the hospital and ready to talk about her experience. Jay and Hayley's conversation reaches an incredibly vulnerable height and we're all so thankful to have Hayley as a friend of the pod and a Choose Your Struggle champion! You can learn more about Hayley at her blog, https://scalesr4fish.wordpress.com/, and check out her shop https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Sunshinebypost?ref=profile_header to support her work!
Today's Good Egg: Challenge yourself and recognize your self limitations.
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/. Our goal is $2,500 and we're closing in on $2,000.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 52
An Introduction To Psilocybin and Psychedelic Microdosing
This week's episode is dedicated to Jay's dog Nell! This episode was recorded on her 3rd birthday.
Today's episode is an introductory guide to psilocybin and psychedelic microdosing. Think of this as psilocybin 101 for those uninitiated. Jay also discusses his recent experiences mircodosing and using psilocybin in a mindful way.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 51!
Sex Work On My Own Terms with Heather Wylde Smith!
This week's episode features A STAR from A Day in the Life (https://fb.watch/6sqJr3nX2v/) Heather Wylde Smith! Heather is a transformative coach helping people, but especially entrepreneurs, take that all important next step in their journey. She's also a former sex worker who says fuck your stigma and the general misinformation around that industry. She got into the industry because she wanted to, and enjoyed it along the way! Learn more about Heather at her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/heatherwyldecoach.
Today's Good Egg: In this heat, give someone the benefit of the doubt!
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Special Episode! Choose Your Struggle Presents: A Day in the Life featuring Steven Elonich
Season 2, Episode 50
Special Episode! This week's Monday Motivation is a special, unedited, audio only replay of
This show was originally broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. To make sure you catch these events in the future, click on your preferred platform and follow or check out my Campsite bio farther down in these notes.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 49!
Thank you all for the love around the 100th episode!
This week's episode features Tim Harrington. Tim has been advocating for better treatment methods and ending the stigma around substance misuse for longer than Jay's been in recovery! Besides his advocacy and coaching work, Tim works with nulife, an app-based treatment program. You can learn more about nulife at https://nulifevirtual.com/ and follow Tim at his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-harrington-5106b88/.
Today's Good Egg: Share the birthday fundraiser!
This year's Birthday Fundraiser is LIIIIIIIVE! Y'all were so amazing last year, helping us raise over $12,000 for Drug Policy Alliance, I'll love you all for coming through again this year. For my birthday this year, I'm raising money for Savage Sisters, an amazing organization I'm a board member for here in Philly. We provide recovery housing and harm reduction outreach. Founded and led by a woman in recovery, y'all know I'm ALLLLLLL about this work. To learn more and get involved, check out the link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/131518205723435/
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 48
Monday Motivation: The Choose Your Struggle 100th Episode Spectacular!
100 episodes! ONE HUNDRED EPISODES!
Thank you. Sincerely, thank you. To all of you who have listened, to all the guests, to all the partners, thank you. I don't take any of this for granted. Your time is precious and that you give a few hours to me every week, I so appreciate it.
This episode is a bit of a look back, what I've learned, explaining stuff etc. It also looks forward at what's coming next for Choose Your Struggle.
Thank you. All of my love. THANK YOU!
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 47!
From A Life Sentence To A Life Of Service With Quan Huynh
The 99th episode of the Choose Your Struggle podcast!
Sentenced to life in prison for murder, Quan Huynh underwent a rebirth, what he calls his Sparrow in the Razor Wire moment and dedicated himself to living a better life, whether he eventually made it out of prison or not. Eventually paroled, Quan dedicated himself to working with others through Defy Ventures, which helps those recently released start businesses and find a new path forward. He wrote The Sparrow in the Razor Wire about his experience (and it's a must read!).
You can learn more about Quan at his website: https://quanxhuynh.com/ and check out Defy Ventures at https://www.defyventures.org/.
Today's Good Egg: Challenge one of your preconceived notions. 
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Special Episode! Choose Your Struggle Presents: Rock Bottom Storytellers II!
Season 2, Episode 46
Special Episode! This week's Monday Motivation is a special, unedited, audio only replay of Rock Bottom Storytellers II! Originally aired on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube back in April, this event featured storytellers M. L. Lanzillotta, Kristen J. Zavo, LeRon L. Barton, and Jani Rad, and music from Kayla Frimer and Sam Sklover. l Episode! Choose Your Struggle Presents: Rock Bottom Storytellers II!
Rock Bottom Storytellers is a (currently) virtual event series that seeks to end stigma and normalize struggle. Each storyteller has ten to fifteen minutes to tell their rock bottom story. Choose Your Struggle's Jay Shifman hosts and produces the event and halfway through the night we always have a special musical guest!
This show was originally broadcast on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. To make sure you catch these events in the future, click on your preferred platform and follow or check out my Campsite bio farther down in these notes.
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 45!
Fuck Shame, Start A Movement with Dr. Adi Jaffe
Big, BIG episode of the podcast. We got REAL. Today's guest is the one, the only, Dr. Adi Jaffe! We talk about our shared love of saying fuck you to stigma and our shared experience of being in recovery without being sober. We also talk about our embarrassing bleached-blond hair phase (Jay as an homage to Eminem, Adi was pre-Eminem) and their mutual respect for The Beastie Boys, among other, more important topics!
Dr. Jaffe is the founder of IGNTD Recovery, which is an incredible recovery program helping people into recovery through harm reduction ideology and the belief that recovery needs to be personable and without labels. Find out more at https://www.igntd.com/ and buy his book The Abstinence Myth at my Bookshop link!
This episode is, as Jay calls it in the interview, a full circle moment. It was Adi who, through his podcast and his book, showed Jay that he could be part of a community in recovery without going through AA after half a decade of keeping it a secret and feeling very alone in his 'non-traditional' recovery experience. 
Today's Good Egg: Speak up! Be the one to say something when something needs to be said.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio

Season 2, Episode 44
Monday Motivation: Jay's TEDx Talk "To End Addiction, Treat Drug Users With Empathy"
Hey y'all! Last week I gave my second TED Talk and first TEDx. Unfortunately, the audio wasn't great (my mic wasn't working) and I'm not confident that I'll be able to reply it here. So! Where you're getting today is me reciting the talk off the cuff. It's a much more informal than what I'd have given y'all but that's ok! Enjoy my TEDx "To End Addiction, Treat Drug Users With Empathy". 
What do you think? Everyone who responds, either by social media or my website, will get a sticker mailed to them. The first person to respond each week will get a magnet! So reach out or post something on your personal social media and tag me (and maybe share the show in the process?)!
If something in this episode upsets you, or makes you feel a certain way, take a moment and do some mindfulness. When you have the words, the thought thrashed out, send it to me! Share the podcast, tell the world your thoughts. That's how we make change.
No Good Egg or Card on Monday episodes.
Looking for someone to wow your audience now that the world is reopening? My speaking calendar is booking up fast! But if you're interested in bringing me to your campus, your community group, your organization or any other location to speak about Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, or Drug Use & Policy, reach out to my strategist Ryan Holzhauer at [email protected].

• Tank Tops are in! You can see what they look like on the website (thanks to my wife for modeling the women's cut). Reach out through the website to order. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, magnets are in too! Check them out on the website or Instagram. Patreon supporters get a discount so join Patreon!
• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChooseYourStruggle
• Review the Podcast: https://ReviewThisPodcast.com/Choose-Your-Struggle.
• Support the Podcast, a different way: https://podhero.com/401017-ikv.
• Learn more about the Shameless Podcast Network: https://www.shamelessnetwork.com/
• My Partner Bookshop (Support Local Book Stores and the Podcast in the Process!): https://bookshop.org/shop/CYS
• My Partner Road Runner (Use Code CYS for 10% off): www.roadrunnercbd.com/ref/CYS
• My Sponsor FIVRR: https://track.fiverr.com/visit/?brand=fiverrcpa&bta=182301
• As always, you can find more at my links: https://jay.campsite.bio